Liverpool plotting raid on Prem rivals for £75m-rated defensive-minded duo

Yves Bissouma TEAMtalk

Liverpool are reportedly showing an interest in bringing Brighton duo Ben White and Yves Bissouma to Anfield.

White has been on the Reds’ radar ever since Virgil Van Dijk picked up a season-ending knee injujry, with Manchester United also keen on the centre-back’s services.

The long-term absence of Joe Gomez as well has prompted Jurgen Klopp to consider strengthening the position in January.

White’s ball-playing capacity and ability to play a high line has made him a viable option for Klopp.

The 23-year-old was outstanding on loan at Leeds last season, with the Whites bidding £30m to sign him over the summer.

The Seagulls rejected all approaches for a player they hold in high regard. But with White now looking at home in the top flight, his value has risen to as much as £50m.

Meanwhile, the report in the Daily Mirror, as cited by HITC, also claims that the Reds have received ‘glowing’ reports about Bissouma.

The 24-year-old has impressed as a defensive midfielder, so much so that Arsenal have also been monitoring his progress.

The Merseysiders are also said to be on the lookout for central midfield options, with Gini Wijnaldum out of contract this summer.

Ben White

Naby Keita is also injury prone, while summer signing Thiago has hardly featured since his arrival from Bayern.

Brighton paid £15million for Bissouma in 2018, with his value now believed to be around £25-30m.

That would mean a potential outlay of around £75m for Liverpool to strengthen the spine of their team.

Whether they look to spend that sort of money in January remains to be seen. But with injuries biting hard and the title race looking much closer this season, it may be a double gamble that Klopp is willing to take.


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Tributes flood in for Houllier

Former Liverpool and Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has died at the age of 73.

The news was announced by RMC Sport on Monday morning. Houllier passed away in Paris overnight.

The Frenchman spent six years in charge of Liverpool, between 1998 and 2004. Initially, he worked alongside Roy Evans, before becoming the sole manager of the club.

During his time in charge, he won six trophies with the club.

Houllier masterminded Liverpool’s treble in 2001, which saw them win the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup. They then went on to win the UEFA Super Cup and FA Charity Shield in the same year.

Many players and pundits have paid tribute to Houllier since the news of his passing.

Jamie Carragher wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely devastated by the news about Gerard Houllier, I was in touch with him only last month to arrange him coming to Liverpool. Loved that man to bits, he changed me as a person & as a player & got Liverpool back winning trophies. RIP Boss.”

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen tweeted: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear that my old boss, Gérard Houllier, has sadly passed away. A great manager and a genuinely caring man. #RIPBoss.” Read more…